RESULTS: Of 408 women completing surveys, 218 (53.4%; 95% CI 48.5–58.4%) were not using contraception at the time of conception, which is higher than the national average (46%). Of those using contraception, combined hormonal pills were the most common method (49.0%). The most common reasons for nonuse included side effects (29.0%) and belief in low risk of unintended concep-
tion (26.2%). Postprocedure, 91.2% of respondents were discharged with a contraception plan, most often with oral contraceptives (41.9%). Ease of use was cited as the most important reason for the chosen method. Women cited concerns about side effects such as weight gain (67.9%) and irregular bleeding (32.9%); however, the rates of these concerns were not different between contraception users and nonusers (p=0.70 and p=0.27, respectively).

CONCLUSION: Contraception nonuse prior to abortion in nonurban populations is higher than the national average. Adequate and accurate counseling of women about contraceptive options and risk of unintended pregnancy is vital to empower effective and sustained contraceptive use post-abortion.